Jealous daddy

My husband is a great husband and father. Our baby has been sick, so she's been seeking mommy most. He's jealous and feeling left out cause she wants me, and he feels he doesn't get much time with her cause he works evenings (I work days) we work opposite shifts... I sleep with her at night cause that's just what works for us... (she's in between us in my arms) please don't comment about that cause that's not what this is about. We are very safe and light sleepers and try to follow safe cosleep guidelines.... anyways, how can I help him feel better? 😔 she loves playing with him and giggling with him... it's just her instincts to seek mommy out when sick...
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I totally hear you and understand why your little one needs you! It's so amazing that he cares for her so deeply. I would tell him how much you appreciate him and tell him that you understand where he's coming from. Whenever possible offer her to him and if she cries go from there. You guys will figure this out and I know it seems impossible but it will work out! You're doing great mama

This is totally developmentally appropriate for babies and kids. It will switch from you to him and back again over and over. Tell him his time will come! The best thing he can do is be consistent and when she needs what he has to offer she will know exactly where to find it.

I would say to look at it from the baby's point. They are in a constant state of discomfort when sick. And if mom is the only one who can soothe them right now, doesn't change their love for dad. There will be plenty of moments where dad is needed/wanted, and not mom. Don't let this moment in time weigh you down too much.

When she gets older she will be more of a daddy's girl. Most everyone wants mama when they are sick. Just remind him that she loves playing with him, give him specific examples if you can, remind him that she is sick.

It’s just temporary, that’s what I’d say. Also try and give him hugs side by side with the baby. Also, a really small thing that can be easy to forget is just to kiss, even in the cheek through the day.

All babies, when ill will always seeks mommas comfort 😂 it's just the way it is. Also, no hate to your way of co-sleeping. My boy would only sleep like this for the first few months

I think this is a normal and natural reaction for a lot of men. Just make sure he knows this is normal and there are still ways he can support you and be a great Dad. He can still have interaction. As others have said, this is temporary. Also, co-sleeper here too. It’s a life saver!

Reassurance is the best way to go. All husbands do have a moment in this life whereby they feel left out and baby wants only mom. Wait until the baby is at toddler phase. The tables turn so fast, she will be a daddy’s girl and you might feel a bit jealous too. That is absolutely fine, the important thing is that the baby has both of you and this phase should not be something that should break you two down. You are amazing parents, don’t let the focus be on jealousy rather on being there for each other and talking about these changes with hugs and kisses. Honestly I hate even labelling this phase as jealousy, it’s such a normal reaction, maybe it’s part of the parenting experience😅. Honestly the co-sleeping reactions are a bit overrated 🤦🏾‍♀️. The way people have opinions on other peoples parenting skills is just another level. I co slept with my baby and we both slept better than when she was on her bed next to mine. She could feel my heart beat, my warmth and she felt safe.

I have something similar with my partner seeming to be jealous of breastfeeding bond. I'm trying to pay him one compliment per day relating to that he's a good dad and they have an amazing bond. Which they do. I let him give a bottle to show that it doesn't really change bonding. I have also given a bottle to baby and its just not the same I think feeding solids is actually more enjoyable bonding time. Going back to work in 2 weeks for 1 day per week and baby will be with dad so surely that will help as well. Once I manage the 1 compliment per day will increase to 3. Also if you can put baby down give husband hugs and affection directly. Men are all about ego

Definitely reassurance and love that he wants to be the comfort parent too ❤️ My son only wanted me when I was nursing him but after 13m, the pendulum swung VERY far and he ONLY wants daddy now. I'm the one who gets jealous 🤣

I saw this thing that says kids look to their moms for comfort and their dads for fun so maybe you can tell him that? I sleep with my son too 🤭

My baby was like this too, I’m sure they all are. But now she is 2 years old and is daddy’s #1 fan! And it’s daddy she calls out for in the night 😂 tell your husband be careful what you wish for haha 😂

He can bond with the baby in other ways. She spent 9 months inside of you and still believes she is a part of you. I’m sorry but being jealous is a little strange to me. Biologically this is how it works. Baby wants to be with mommy. Also I’m all for bedsharing, but please reconsider the way you are doing it to make sure it’s 100% safe. Only one person in the bed, baby beside you on their back with you C-curled around their body. I know you said not to mention it but there is a lot of stigma around bedsharing so not everyone knows how to do it safely. If this cannot be done please consider a sidecar sleeper bassinet 🤍

@Victoria I agree with you 100% on the bedsharing judgment - this is why people don’t know how to do it safely and this is unfortunately when there are the most issues. People are usually ashamed to reach out for help on how to do it safely so I do believe suggestions can be given politely just incase she doesn’t know 🤍 nothing at all wrong with bedsharing but it must be done safely

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